Federal Healthcare Open Season begins this November, giving federal employees, postal workers, and retirees a once-a-year chance to review and update their health coverage under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program and the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program. This year’s Open Season runs from November 9 through December 14, 2026, and applies to coverage starting January 2027.
What Open Season Means for You
Open Season is the annual window during which eligible individuals can enroll in, change, or cancel their FEHB or PSHB plans. It also allows changes to FEDVIP dental and vision coverage and elections for FSAFEDS flexible spending accounts. No qualifying life event is required – this is the one period each year when adjustments can be made freely.
For postal employees and annuitants now fully transitioned into the PSHB program, this year’s Open Season is especially important. PSHB plans continue to evolve, and reviewing plan details early ensures you understand how premiums, networks, and Medicare integration may affect your 2027 costs and coverage.
If you miss the December 14 deadline, your current coverage will roll over into 2027, so review your options before mid‑December.
WHAT’S New for the 2027 Plan Year
OPM has released the 2027 FEHB and PSHB rates and benefits, giving enrollees time to compare costs and coverage before making elections. Premium trends remain a major factor: FEHB and PSHB plans have increased notably in recent years, making careful comparison more important than ever.
Plan brochures and comparison tools are available on OPM.gov, allowing you to check:
- Updated FEHB / PSHB premiums for 2027
- Provider networks and hospital participation
- Prescription drug coverage changes
- Out‑of‑pocket costs and deductibles
- Any benefit enhancements or reductions
How to Prepare
Experts recommend taking a few steps before making your elections:
- Review your current plan’s 2027 premium and compare it with alternatives using OPM’s comparison tool.
- Confirm your doctors and prescriptions remain covered next year.
- Evaluate your expected medical needs – especially if you anticipate surgeries, new medications, or chronic‑care changes.
- Consider FSAFEDS if you expect predictable medical or dependent‑care expenses.
Why This Open Season Matters
With rising healthcare costs and evolving PSHB integration, this year’s Open Season is a strategic moment for federal employees and retirees to ensure their coverage aligns with both their health needs and financial goals. Thoughtful review now can prevent surprises in 2027 and help you take full advantage of the benefits available through FEHB and PSHB.
